Life-Threatening (Severe) Allergies and Bullying: Resources
Available to Educate and Raise Awareness
(BPT) - For most students, school is about more than
the most at risk for experiencing anaphylaxis due to
just making the grade. There are many pressures
increased exposure to potential allergic triggers.
children face in and outside the school hallways.
Hanson says this can make youngsters reluctant to take
part in social and academic activities involving food.
Bullying has received increased national attention in
recent years and can include behaviors such as name- "With heightened risk factors at school, everyone
calling, actual or threatened acts of physical harm,
responsible for a student with food allergies should
rumor spreading and social exclusion. These actions can help them always avoid allergic triggers and be aware
pose real challenges to those in the learning
of the signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis," Hanson
environment. Factors including poor self-esteem and
says. She encourages the entire school community,
social challenges increase the likelihood of being
including students, staff and parents, to know how to
bullied, according to the Centers for Disease Control
respond if anaphylaxis occurs. Parents and teachers
and Prevention.
should be ready to use an epinephrine auto-injector and
seek immediate emergency medical care if anaphylaxis
A recent report confirmed worries that having health
occurs.
issues may also lead to bullying. Over 30 percent of
school-aged children with a food allergy have been
While symptoms of an allergic reaction vary from
bullied because of their condition, according to a study person to person, reactions can quickly progress to
published in Pediatrics. Food allergies are the most
become life-threatening.
common cause of anaphylaxis, a life-threatening
For those at risk for anaphylaxis, having an action plan
allergic reaction.
is important so everyone can be ready to immediately
"Dealing with food allergies in school can be difficult, respond. Parents of children with severe allergies
particularly when other kids may not understand how should work with their doctor to develop this strategy
serious an allergic reaction can be," says Jan Hanson, and share it with their child's school.
M.A., a nationally recognized expert in food allergy
Get Schooled in Anaphylaxis (TM), a program
management and education.
sponsored by Mylan Specialty, enables communities
Food allergies are on the rise, especially in children, and and parents across the country to do their part for all
those living with life-threatening (severe) allergies are children managing life-threatening allergies by raising
at risk for anaphylaxis. This is a serious health issue in awareness and educating others. The initiative's
America, particularly in our nation's schools. "Most
website, Anaphylaxis101.com, offers a variety of
children want to fit in with their peers, and when they helpful, interactive resources, including posters, lesson
are singled out because of a food allergy, which they
plans and information about legislation, along with
cannot control, it can influence a child's feelings of
customizable checklists and tip sheets. There's even a
sadness and distress," Hanson adds.
free e-book to share at home or in the classroom.
Educating school communities about anaphylaxi